A water main break inside the Maple Park Campground in East Wareham has left residents with dirty and discolored water that will remain for at least a few days, according to officials.

The break occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, impacting water flow in the Shangri-La neighborhood and on both sides of Glen Charlie Road. 

According to Wareham Water Department Superintendent Andrew Reid, a contractor hired by the campground to install new pipe was responsible for the break. 

Approximately 200,000 gallons of water were lost within the first 5 to 10 minutes of the break, according to a Facebook post from the Wareham Water Department.

The break had a scouring effect on the interior of the distribution system’s pipes, dirtying the water, according to officials. 

“If I had to guess,” Reid said, “I’d say about half the town has brown water right now.”

The main has since been isolated and repaired, and the dirty water is expected to run its course within a few days.

Until then, Reid said residents should avoiding drinking tap water.